BBC faces Twitter backlash over controversial documentary The Last Whites of the East End – while some viewers say 'it's only telling the truth'

A BBC documentary showing the evolving communities of the East End has drawn criticism from viewers who branded the programme 'racist' and accused it of 'white supremacist propaganda'.

 

The Last Whites of the East End received mixed reviews on Twitter last night, with some branding it the 'most racist programme I've ever watched' and others threatening to cancel their licence fee.

However, while not all were impressed with the show, some did applaud the BBC for giving an 'honest' insight into the east London borough of Newham where 73 per cent of the local population is now made up of ethnic minorities and Black British.

The programme looked into how cockneys are becoming an endangered species in the borough, with many moving towards Essex, after 70,000 immigrants moved in over the past 15 years.

Although many of the area's new residents consider themselves 'proper East Enders', some say the differences in culture and religion are creating divides, with ethnic groups sticking together.

It was this insight which was praised on Twitter by viewer Jeannie Juno, who said the programme 'encapsulates all that has happened to many urban communities throughout the UK.'

Jay Nottage agreed. 'People not liking this BBC documentary Last Whites of the East End, it's only telling the truth but I take it some people don't like the truth,' he wrote.

However, many viewers were quick to accuse the Corporation of 'racist views' and 'propaganda'.

Amy Wyatt wrote: '@BBC Are you pleased your programme has brought out Nazis justifying their racist views? Why should I pay for this?', before adding: 'Today I am cancelling my TV licence and won't be watching @BBC live again. I refuse to pay for propaganda against ME!'

Nicci Kay asked: 'Why are we forced to pay for racist views to get aired on TV? @BBC Zero attempt at any balance.

'TBH [to be honest] BBC gave an hour to some people saying 'I wish it was like the old days' and named it to inspire reaction, no?'

Meanwhile, Sharee said: '#LastwhitesoftheEastEnd is the most racist programme I've ever watched', and Connor added: 'BBC's Last Whites of the East End sounds like Britain first/white supremacist style propaganda.' 

Eileen Kerslake, 88, whose husband of 68 years died in recent years, said there would never be a true community in the Newham area again due to the influx of migrants to the borough over the last 15 years

Viewers criticised the BBC on Twitter for airing 'racist views' using licence payers' money with the programme

Patrick Strudwick said: 'Grim name the BBC gave this documentary – suggests there's only a handful left, plays into racist lies.' 

Another Twitter user, @ShadyLDNgirl, wrote: 'This is how the @BBC chooses to spend license payers money? Don't forget POC also fund your existence.'

Another added: 'This documentary the Last Whites of the East End tells me the BBC isn't bothered if we think it's racist. I mean are you f****** me?'

And one asked: 'Is the BBC really broadcasting a documentary called 'Last Whites of the East End'? When will society move past differentiation based on skin colour?'  

Newham was previously almost all white working class, with the majority dockworkers, but has now become the most multicultural place in the UK, with 147 languages spoken across the borough.

It has 66 primary schools and two decades ago more than half the pupils were white British.

But now one school - Drew Primary - has just three white British children per class, with 43 languages spoken throughout its halls.

Peter Bell has been secretary at East Ham Working Men's Club for more than 25 years and said it was one of the last strongholds of traditional East End culture in the area.

The club hosts everything from tea dances to boxing club matches and is trying to keep community spirit together.

Mr Bell, 66, told MailOnline: 'I think we are vital to the area. We try to keep as busy as we can and keep our traditions going.

'If we closed then I can't help but think where would some of these people go? Where would the old ladies who come here every week go? What would they have to look forward to?

'We live in one of the poorest boroughs in the country, and when you walk out of this club, what you see is essentially a slum.'

Leanne Oakham and her mother Debbie (right) are leaving Newham for Essex due to the evolving community

Source: BBC